College Costs in Castle Rock, CO 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Castle Rock, Colorado. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,530
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Castle Rock Overview
Population
73,158
Student Population
4,314 (5.9%)
Cost of Living Index
98.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
57/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Castle Rock
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$107,368
Total After Financial Aid
$107,368
Annual Cost
$26,842
Annual After Aid
$26,842
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $107,368 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,219 |
| Total Interest | $38,929 |
| Total Loan Cost | $146,297 |
Universities in Castle Rock
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Castle Rock State University | Public | $11,819 |
| Castle Rock Community College | Community | $5,018 |
Castle Rock has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Castle Rock vs. National Average
| Category | Castle Rock | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,200 | $10,940 | +$1,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,530 | $1,050 | +$480 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.6 | 100 | -1.4000000000000057 |
Castle Rock's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Castle Rock
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,314 students
Castle Rock has a total population of 73,158, with approximately 4,314 college students (5.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Castle Rock offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Castle Rock
$41,722
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
~16 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Castle Rock earn a median starting salary of $41,722, which is $6,722 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $107,368 (including room and board), it would take approximately 16 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,936 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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